Alicia Armstrong & Kadie Mae

Your Name(s):
Alicia Armstrong
 
• Who have you fostered?:
Ernie, Colt (temp foster), Frank, Lucious (now Lucas), Glen, Cash, Andy, and Alex (temp foster), and Kadie Mae (now Maeve).
 
• How long have you been fostering?
I have been fostering for 10 years with various rescues, and 3-4 years with SEGSP Rescue.
 
• How did you get into fostering?
 got into fostering because I have a passion for animals who need a little extra help, to no fault of their own.
 
• Why do you specifically foster with the SEGSP Rescue?
I foster for SEGSP Rescue because I love the GSP breed. I know that they need a special type of foster, who understands their unique needs and challenges, who can give them mental and physical stimulation, and in some cases, who can nurse them back to health from the brink of death (for instance, like I did with Ernie). I like to analyze temperament and cater to each foster’s individual needs.
 
• Do you have any pets of your own? How do they adjust every time a new foster arrives?
I have 6(!!!) dogs of my own. I used to own a doggy daycare and boarding business, so my dogs are quite used to having unfamiliar dogs introduced. Of course, I introduce fosters slowly to my dogs using the guidelines provided by the rescue. Usually my dogs don’t get jealous, but I know I have to give them a little more one-on-one attention to keep them feeling special when we have a foster living with us. It’s actually very beneficial to have friendly, confident dogs that help fosters feel comfortable and help “train” them.
 
• How has fostering positively impacted you and/or your family?
Fostering really helps me feel more connected to the North Florida community. I’ve actually made a lot of friends through rescue - other foster parents, adopters, and GSP lovers - both in Florida and other states. It’s wonderful how GSPs can bring people together.
 
• Is it difficult to say good-bye to a foster and not get too attached?
I actually have a system for not getting attached to fosters. It may sound silly, but I only want to own one male dog at a time. So, I tend to foster males because I know I won’t adopt them with my male dog who thinks he is an alpha (he really isn’t, but my girls humor him, haha.) I have, however, fostered a female GSP before
and managed not to fall in love and add her to my pack.
 
• What are some myths that you have heard about fostering?
The usual suspects: “I don’t have time for fostering”; “I will adopt every dog I foster and not be able to let go”; “All foster dogs have major problems that I can’t help with.”
 
• What would you say to someone who might be considering fostering?
If you are considering fostering, please take the leap! I promise you that you’ll get much more from it than you put in. It is so rewarding to be able to match a dog with their ideal forever family. It’s such a nice way to give back to the world.
 
• Do you have a favorite foster story or moment?
My absolutely forever favorite foster story is that of Ernie. He was surrendered from a Georgia plantation that couldn’t take care of him the way he needed (along with several others). I was able to create an Amazon wishlist for him, and my friends totally came through. He got to have toys, a special orthopedic bed (he was so bony), weight gain supplements, special treats, and even a special collar with a bow tie on it! It was like Christmas for him when the items started to arrive. I believe it was the first time in his life that he felt special. I’ll never forget him and regularly keep in touch with his adoptive parents. I’ve even been able to visit him.
 
Thank you Alicia for ALL that you do for the rescue. We appreciate YOU! 
 
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